Surface Ice Rescue Exercise

As an exercise for the winter months in the Northeast, the Clinton Heights Fire Department retained Lifeguard Systems, Inc. to provide certified training in surface ice water rescue. The two day program took place in East Greenbush on January 24th and 25th, 2015. Seventeen firefighters participated including personnel from the Melrose Fire Department of Rensselaer County and the Fort Edward Fire Department located in Washington County, New York. The program presented to the participants the disciplines and skill-sets needed to successfully bring to safety a victim(s) who would have fallen through the ice. Among the considerable material the student had to comprehend included the physical/bodily costs to the victim who has fallen through the ice: heat loss, cold stress, hypothermia, blood pressure and other immersion complications. Also considered was the command structure involving the staging of personnel, equipment and apparatus, and of course, the actual rescue techniques. Line tending, proper patient handling, ice transport and the personal protective equipment of the rescuers. The on-ice exercises took place on Hampton Manor Lake, East Greenbush (see photos).

With the impending weather approaching, please be sure to dig the outside vents and gas utilities. Snow covered gas vents can lead to a furnace shutdown. Snow covered dryer vents can cause a backup of carbon monoxide. Snow covered gas meters can freeze. Please share and be safe. Also if you have a hydrant close by please adopt it and clear a perimeter around the it roughly 3 feet around and a path to the street. ... See MoreSee Less